Alexandria Residents Discuss Affordable Housing At 2020 Housing Summit

Local leaders and hundreds of residents gathered in Alexandria Virginia to attend the 2020 Housing Summit. Together they discussed the affordable housing challenges. The event gave the opportunity to discuss everything from housing for seniors and the 2013 Housing Master Plan to the development and preservation of affordable living. The effect of a quick-growing workforce on housing availability and pricing was also discussed. According to wtop.com, "Attendees began the day with a bus tour through oft-overlooked neighborhoods that offer affordable units. While the focus has been on creating more access to affordable housing and educating the community, Helen McIlvaine, director of the city’s Office of Housing, said the plan is to do more. One of the city’s biggest targets from the 2013 Housing Master Plan is creating 2,000 new affordable housing units by 2025, a number that is expected to double by 2030 to hit regional housing goals." Helen McIlvaine said, "We’re also hoping to continue educating folks on what the housing need is. We want to really get their feedback. One of the things we’ve been saying is we’re all in and we’re hoping the community will join us in being all in." As per wtop.com, "But housing cost burdens in Alexandria remain high. Between 2000 and 2019, housing costs for a two-bedroom unit in the city increased by 122%. In raw numbers, that means 15,200 households earning up to $75,000 a year, will spend 30% or more of their income on housing costs. For another 6,900 families earning $50,000 or less, that proportion jumps to 50% or more."

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